Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos got emotional while discussing the ongoing search for Savannah Guthrie’s mom, Nancy Guthrie.
“You have to have hope,” Nanos said in an interview with NBC’s Liz Kreutz, which aired via the Today show on Friday, February 6. “Come on, this is somebody’s mom. We’re gonna find her.”
Nanos got visibly emotional and choked up while explaining why he believes that 84-year-old Nancy is “still out there.” Nanos confirmed in a press conference on Thursday, February 5, that authorities “have not identified a suspect or a person of interest” just yet.
“We want her home,” Nanos said. “I really want you to know, this entire team here, those behind me, and our community, are hurting with you.”
News broke on Sunday, February 1, that Nancy went missing in Arizona. The following day, Savannah, 54, was noticeably absent from the Today show as she traveled to Arizona to be with her family. The NBC anchor released a statement amid her absence, asking viewers to pray for the safe return of her mother. (Savannah has also stepped away from her 2026 Olympics hosting gig as the search for her mother continues.)
Savannah sat down with her siblings, Annie and Camron Guthrie, for a video discussing Nancy’s disappearance on Wednesday, February 4.
“On behalf of our family we want to thank all of you for the prayers for our beloved mom, Nancy. We feel them and we continue to believe that she feels them too,” Savannah said in the Instagram video. “Our mom is a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light. She is funny, spunky and clever. She has grandchildren who adore her and crowd around her and cover her with kisses. She loves fun and adventure. She is a devoted friend. She is full of kindness and knowledge. Talk to her and you’ll see.”
They addressed Nancy’s possible abductor, explaining that their mother needs medication to survive. The siblings also addressed the alleged ransom note that has been sent to several news outlets amid Nancy’s disappearance. (Savannah’s brother, Camron, has also released a message of his own to the possible abductor.)
“We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media,” Savannah said. “As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us.”
Thursday’s press conference revealed that the FBI had arrested an imposter who was posing as Nancy’s kidnapper as a way to get the $50,000 ransom money.
“My next message is to those imposters who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation. We will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions,” FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke said. “This is an 84-year-old grandma that needs vital medication for her well being. You still have the time to do the right thing before this becomes a worse, much worse scenario for you.”
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